Question:
Can you really take online courses in such a hands-on career like cosmetology? I thought you would have to be in the classroom, practicing on actual people? If there are online cosmetology degree programs available, please let me know!
Answer:
It’s true that you need a certain number of hours to earn your license as a cosmetologist. Practical and theory training are equally important, since you simply cannot do a good job if you don’t understand the basis of each process. Don’t know what bleach does? Good luck on your first highlight. Don’t understand how an acrylic liquid and powder cure to a solid? That will make for some lumpy artificial nails. It’s the theoretical part of your cosmetology education that online cosmetology courses cover.
But no matter how much you can learn with your brain, your fingers will still need the physical practice of learning how to perform certain skills. Applying color, weaving foils, manicuring and facial massage are skills that you need to use practically as soon as you learn the material theoretically in order to have it “click.”
Online cosmetology courses do cover certain basics, so if you are trying to bone up on your general knowledge before entering beauty school, it will help. You will need to put that knowledge to work, though, and that can only be accomplished in an apprenticeship program or at a beauty school. Personally, I would use online courses to review my own skills, or to learn more about a certain section of cosmetology. For example, if I wanted to improve my knowledge of cosmetics and my application skills for bridal makeup, watching videos of cosmetic application (colors, techniques and tools to use) will definitely inspire and educate me. Online cosmetology courses blend videos, illustrations, graphics and reading and quiz assignments to teach you. But translating that knowledge from your brain to your fingertips is entirely up to you.
Tags: beauty school, Cosmetologist, online cosmetology school